One of the most popular areas at New Kitchen Store is our spice section. We carry many different spices and spice blends, some that I’m sure you have heard of, and other’s that may strike you as exotic. One of our best selling spices is cinnamon. We have been getting many questions about cinnamon lately. Here at New Kitchen Store we strive to not only provide you with a wide variety of items, but to be as helpful and informative about those items as possible. With that being said, here is everything you need to know and more, about cinnamon.
There are literally hundreds of different kinds of cinnamon varieties, but only four of them are available commercially.
Ceylon Cinnamon
Known as true cinnamon, this spice is grown in Sri Lanka and India. Its unique spicy flavor has citrus-like notes with a sweet flavor and aroma.
Cassia Cinnamon
Cassia cinnamon comes from the inner bark of an evergreen tree native to China and other parts of Asia. Although it’s less fragrant than its cousin, Ceylon, it is more pungent, peppery, and sweet, giving it a simpler flavor than Ceylon cinnamon.
Korinji Cinnamon
This cinnamon is harvested from Indonesian cinnamon trees that have been cultivated for at least 15-25 years. It retains up to 3% of its essential oils, even when dehydrated. It has a deliciously pungent, sweet, and buttery flavor.
Saigon Cinnamon
Known as the world’s most flavorful cinnamon, this variety’s flavor is sweet and warm with a hint of bitterness like cassia cinnamon, but is aromatic and complex like Ceylon cinnamon. Typically, it’s grown in Saigon, a southern region of Vietnam.
Although it’s been used in Vietnamese cooking time out of mind, it didn’t become available in the USA until the early 2000s. It retains up to 5% of its essential oils, even when dehydrated.
Cooking Notes
All cinnamons are interchangeable in cooking, but can become bitter when overcooked.
Best in savory and sweet dishes that require a bold, spicy cinnamon kick.
Excellent on chicken!
Matches well with chocolate, yogurt, nuts, fruits, and some vegetables ranging from squash to spinach.
Use it in the kitchen
Yes, fall is long gone. But did you know that pumpkin spice seasoning is extremely healthy for you? Articles released by Cleveland Clinic and The Food Network say that this blend has health benefits, like being anti-inflammatory; rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals; and may even be able to strengthen cognitive abilities!
Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ginger
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon cloves
¼ teaspoon cardamon
¼ teaspoon allspice
1/8 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
Combine spices very well and store in an airtight container. Add ¼ teaspoon of the blend to your favorite hot drink or oatmeal to add a healthy pizzazz to your day!
New Kitchen Store is located at 330 Liberty St., Walkerton. Visit them online at newkitchenstore.com or call them at (574)586-2745.
